Amidst the blockbuster blitz of "Argylle"(2024) and the first two episodes of "The Chosen Season 4"(2024), the resilient "The Beekeeper"(2024) has been buzzing at the North American box office for over 20 days. Its popularity finally lured me into snagging a ticket to see what the buzz is all about.
I'll come clean: I'm not exactly an action movie aficionado, but I have to admit that seeing Jason Statham so bravely demolish the stronghold of a scam syndicate, expose the profiteering organizations hidden behind the scenes, and even storm into the home of the U.S. President to take down the biggest villain, was indeed an exhilarating experience—although that feeling quickly dissipated once I left the theater.
The movie follows Adam Clay (played by Jason Statham), a mysterious beekeeper who lives a peaceful life in the countryside. When his elderly landlady Eloise Parker (played by Phylicia Rashad), who occasionally pops by to check on him, falls victim to an online scam, suffers a mental breakdown and tragically ends her life after losing all her charity proceeds, Clay takes it upon himself to seek justice for her death and uncover the complex network of profiteers behind those scammers. In the face of pursuits by manic special agents, powerful consortiums and the FBI, he is determined to face off his formidable foes on his own.
And here's an important detail to note: Agent Verona Parker (played by Emmy Raver-Lampman) is the old lady’s daughter. She disagrees with Clay's approach to justice and obstructs him in various ways. Ultimately, she lets him off the hook in hesitation.
Watching "The Beekeeper" made me realize yet again the wild disparity in Hollywood action movies. On one hand, the visual effects are off the charts, and the fight scenes are more intense than a game of dodgeball in a hornet's nest. On the other hand, the quality of the storylines is constantly regressing as they are getting simpler than a two-piece jigsaw.
The action-packed sequences had me on the edge of my seat, and Statham's performance was as solid as a rock as always. But we were so caught up with the visual feast comprising high-tech weapons, modern buildings, and jaw-dropping stunts that there wasn't much room for deep thoughts about plot holes and character motivations.
But once I stepped back into the real world after coming out of the theater and paused for a moment, questions started buzzing in my head. Whose mother on earth is the old lady who is scammed and then commits suicide? It’s so ridiculous that her own daughter can’t care less, while Clay, who barely knows her, charges into battle against the bad guys—all in the name of justice? The plot is just so empty and unconvincing. Something just doesn’t add up. Oh heck, even if it went with the cliché of making Parker Clay's mother, it would've been more believable than the mess it served up.
I just can't wrap my head around why even mediocre action movies go to great lengths to justify how the hero's revenge is necessary and reasonable. Worse still, "The Beekeeper" doesn't even bother doing so. Ay, I reckon I'll be steering clear of Hollywood action movies from here on out.
Join the conversation and share your thoughts!
